The first week of 2026 marked a busy start for immigration enforcement in Houston, with 200 cases filed involving illegal entry, reentry, and smuggling activities.
Between Jan. 2 and 8, authorities charged 117 people with felony reentry after removal and 70 with illegal entry. Many defendants have prior felony convictions related to narcotics, violent crime, and immigration offenses. The cases also include nine individuals charged with human smuggling and others facing firearms-related charges.
One case involves Mexican national Daniel Enrique Rangel-Quezada, who was found near Garciasville with a firearm and a gunshot wound. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of illegal firearm possession.
PAST: 245 arrests in one week as U.S. cracks down on illegal immigration in southern Texas
Two other defendants, Juan Dimas-Sosa and Audelio Rios-Castillo, were apprehended near McAllen after previously being removed from the U.S. Both face felony reentry charges carrying penalties of up to 20 years.
Additionally, Danny Nunez of Laredo was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a cartel-linked human smuggling conspiracy that transported over 1,900 illegal aliens. The court noted the extensive scope and sophistication of the operation.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice effort to address illegal immigration, dismantle criminal organizations, and enhance community safety.